Twenty-something Aynsley Lister is already a favorite in his native England and the rest of Europe.

»There's no young English blues guitarist with more vivid musical ideas«, raved Britain's MOJO magazine.

Since debuting as a teenager, Lister has released five CDs on Ruf, including 2005's »Live!«, which shows off every facet of his knockout performances – solo and with his sizzling power trio. »A lot of people take music too seriously«, says Lister.

He knows the blues doesn't have to be about heartbreak and pain, or follow a familiar formula. In the hands of this handsome young lad, the music is fresh, vibrant and fun.

No doubt about it: Erja Lyytinen has the talent and looks to put Finland on the international blues map. Born into a musical family in the small town of Kuopio, she integrates jazz, folk and even pop elements into her bluesy mix.

Lyytinen's outstanding slide guitar playing has earned her the nickname »the Bonnie Raitt of Finland« and led to festival appearances alongside Koko Taylor, Marcia Ball and Bonnie Raitt herself. Now, this impressive young lady is poised to break out to an even bigger audience.

Lister's countryman Ian Parker is further proof that the blues is alive and well in the new millennium. Parker's forte is his uniquely personal, poetic songwriting style. His 2003 debut CD, »Inside«, was hailed universally for its originality and emotional power.

Or, as veteran bluesman Walter Trout put it: »Ian's voice, feel and guitar technique are what his contemporaries can only dream of.«

The 29-year-old has spent years developing his skills on the European Blues-Rock circuit and is now on the cusp of a great career.